The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a number of data programs and initiatives to provide public access to information, support research, and aid in evidence-based policymaking.
Key Data Programs and Resources
HUD's data is made available through several platforms, each serving a specific purpose:
• | HUD Data Catalog: This is the central hub for accessing a wide range of datasets. It contains information on topics like public housing, community development, fair housing, and economic data. Each dataset includes metadata and descriptions to help users understand and utilize the information. |
• | American Housing Survey (AHS): A joint effort with the U.S. Census Bureau, the AHS is one of the most detailed housing surveys in the nation. It provides information about the size, quality, and composition of the country's housing stock. Researchers and policymakers use this data to monitor housing supply and demand, identify changes in housing quality, and assess the needs of renters and homeowners. |
• | Homelessness Data Exchange (HDX): This system is a critical tool for collecting and reporting data on homelessness. It houses the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, which is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night, and the Housing Inventory Count (HIC), which provides an inventory of beds and units available for people experiencing homelessness. |
• | Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) Data: HUD receives custom tabulations of American Community Survey (ACS) data from the Census Bureau to create CHAS data. This resource shows the extent of housing problems and needs, particularly for low-income households. Local governments use this data for planning and for distributing HUD funds. |
• | Geospatial Data (HUD-eGIS Storefront): This platform provides access to HUD's geospatial datasets, mapping tools, and APIs. It allows users to visualize data on a map, such as locations of assisted housing properties, community development activities, and areas with low-to-moderate-income populations. |
• | Program-Specific Dashboards: HUD maintains several public-facing dashboards for specific programs, offering detailed data and visualizations. Examples include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Data Dashboard and the Public Housing (PH) Data Dashboard, which provide insights into budget and leasing trends, resident characteristics, and funding information. |